SOCCSKSARGEN (REGION XII)
SoCCSKSarGen is a region of the Philippines, located in Central Mindanao, and is officially designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the region's four provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. It has a total land area of 22, 266.30 square kilometer, with eight (8) congressional districts, forty five (45) municipalities, and 1, 169 barangays. The regional center is Koronadal City located in the province of South Cotabato.
Region XII is composed of nine divisions consist of four (4) provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato and Sarangani, with five (5) cities of Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City and General Santos City. It has been collaboratively working with a total of 152 districts, 1,708 public elementary schools, 456 public secondary schools and 390 private schools. This region has a total of 23,569 teachers and 6,578 non-teaching personnel, delivering education services to 778,108 elementary pupils and 298,311 secondary students.
Region XII is composed of nine divisions consist of four (4) provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato and Sarangani, with five (5) cities of Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, Koronadal City and General Santos City. It has been collaboratively working with a total of 152 districts, 1,708 public elementary schools, 456 public secondary schools and 390 private schools. This region has a total of 23,569 teachers and 6,578 non-teaching personnel, delivering education services to 778,108 elementary pupils and 298,311 secondary students.
Koronadal City, as the marvelous city of the South and the administrative center of Region XII, is the center of commerce, trade, industry, government administration, transportation, communication and education. Being adjudged recently as the most competitive small size city in the country, it is also a virtual melting pot of contrasting ethnic cultures and influences, many dialects and indigenous traditions. The city’s religious and rich cultural diversity is shown in exotic festivals and events like the T’nalak festival, the Kawayan festival and the Hinugyaw festival.
South Cotabato is the seat of the tribes of the B'laan and the T'boli, famous for their brassworks, beadwork and t'nalak weave. Aside from the spectacular Lake Sebu, the summer get away in the region; it is now a major tourist destination due to its famous Lake Sebu Seven Falls Zipline, which is the highest zipline in Asia. It is also known for its agricultural produce: asparagus, cut flowers, corn, and rice; and the famous pineapple plantation traversing Polomolok and Tupi municipalities. In four decades since its provincehood, South Cotabato has already exceeded dozens of provinces established half a century ahead in almost every aspect of development. What it got to show today is vivid outcomes of human synergy and the richness of its resources.
Cotabato City, the heart of Central Mindanao, is famous for its landmarks and tourist attractions, such as: Rio Grande de Mindanao – the second largest river in the Philippines, Tamontaka Church – a century old church, Lourdes Grotto - a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France, Kutang Bato Cave – the only cave in the country that is in the heart of the city , Old Cotabato City Hall – a century old structure which showcases the architectural design of the Maguindanaon Art., and the Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine - a monument in honor of Takumi Butai and the Japanese soldiers who died here during the Second World War.
Sarangani Province, being situated as the country’s major gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East Asean Growth Area, is in a unique position to marshal its resources, entice tourists and investors, and compete in an international market under a borderless trade regime. The province is proud of its very rich treasure – the ancient burial jars, discovered by archaeologists from the National Museum in Ayub Cave, Maitum, in 1991 and in 2008, at Sagel Cave, Maitum (now declared by National Historical Institute as a national historical site) associated to the Metal Age in the Philippines, circa 500 B.C. to A.D. 500. The province is also an ultimate destination of many tourists, due to its long stretch of white sand beaches located in Gumasa, Glan, which is considered as the “Boracay” of Mindanao.
From a lowly barangay in the 1940’s, Tacurong City had audaciously fought an endless battle against all odds. After several decades of hurdling, the place had become what it is now...a booming city in the island of Mindanao and the “Seal of Excellence” in public service. Strategically located at the crossroads of Central Mindanao, it is continuously traversing the crossroads of total development as reflected in its famous “Talakudong and Inugyunay Festivals.” It takes pride of the Southern Philippines Grain Complex, the largest grains-processing complex in Asia; and the “Baras Bird Sanctuary,” covering nearly two hectares, is the home to more than 10,000 bird species including nocturnal Black Crowned Night Heron and cattle egret.
Cotabato Province, as the emerging new destination in central Mindanao, is one of the most beautiful provinces in Mindanao. Like a jewel it is still very rough waiting to be polished in due time. Ligwasan marsh the snaking Pulangi River, caves, numerous waterfalls and hot springs are waiting to be re-discovered. Kidapawan, Magpet and Makilala or KMM is one of the locations where tourism potential is at its best. KMM is the gateway to Mt. Apo Natural Park, the Philippines highest at 10,311 ft. above sea level. It has numerous rivers and springs, waterfalls and hot springs. KMM has a very rich tribal culture and heritage - the traditional rituals and dances of the Manobo during festivals.
Kidapawan City is a favorite tourist destination in the late October to December and in the summer, where thousands of tourist climb the majestic Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak. The City boasts of agricultural productivity that can provide a strong base for much-required industries. It is famous for Lake Agko, a steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge; the Marbel Falls, which is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height, surrounded by hot springs; and the Mawig Falls, which is located in Barangay Balabag, the source of the crystal-clear waters of Matingao River.
Sultan Kudarat, having a vast agricultural potential, has practically produced all types of crops grown in the country, including rice, corn, coffee, and vegetables. The province is self-sufficient in poultry, swine, and root crops, and one of the few producers of Irish potatoes in the Philippines. There are more than 200 rice mills in the province. Fishing is also a fast growing industry. Its famous landmark which attracts numerous tourists, is its majestic Provincial Capitol, located in Isulan.
General Santos City, dubbed as the “Boom Town City of the South,” and considered as one of the fastest-growing cities, is known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” With the advent of the operation of General Santos City Fish Port Complex, post-harvest technology equipment needed to prolong the shelf-life of tuna and other species of fish, are made available; thus, playing a vital role for trading and other post harvest activities. It is known for its Kalilangan and Tuna Festivals which showcase the city’s potential to preserve its great cultural heritage and to continuously strive for global competitiveness by catapulting its aspirations to greater heights as “Land of the Champions.”
The Department of Education Region XII has redirected and synchronized all level of initiatives to Maximize Resources to Close Gaps in Performances for SY 2012-2013 by providing access and quality basic education for all diverse learners. This was concretized by being focused not on “when” the budget shall be released but “what” and “how” of department spending services have been delivered through the relevant programs, activities, and projects giving more emphasis on the impact of learning to the lives of every individual.
The convergence of different line government and non-government institutions to support the department must be strengthened to help fast track the attainment of millennium Development Goals for 2015 that continuously challenges all schools to sustain its learning performance to produce globally competitive learners. Pursuant to its mandate, DepED Region XII revitalizes its commitment to be proactive, flexible and culture sensitive in implementing appropriate programs and projects to uphold the performance gained.
The convergence of different line government and non-government institutions to support the department must be strengthened to help fast track the attainment of millennium Development Goals for 2015 that continuously challenges all schools to sustain its learning performance to produce globally competitive learners. Pursuant to its mandate, DepED Region XII revitalizes its commitment to be proactive, flexible and culture sensitive in implementing appropriate programs and projects to uphold the performance gained.